This project develops a state-of-the-art income calculator website for British Columbians receiving disability assistance (PWDs) and trains employment services centre case managers in its use. The site is designed to improve access to accurate income information for PWDs, including
(a) income estimations for specific job opportunities and
(b) a personal account where they can keep track of their earning exemption totals and see the effect that earnings have on their Disability Assistance payments.
Case managers introduce their PWD clients to the tool and help them to enter the required information. The project aims to improve clients’ understanding of the effect that earnings and moving in and out of work will have on their Disability Assistance Benefits and overall income. It should raise their confidence in the financial consequences of their employment decisions and reduce financial apprehension when moving into employment.
The project is designed as an experimental demonstration to quantify the impact of implementation of the Income Calculator on PWDs’ financial security, their willingness and motivation to seek employment opportunities, and improvements in their medium-to long-term employment outcomes.
Published: January 2019
Capability: Experimentation - Program Evaluation/ Performance Measurement
Policy Area: Adult Learning - Financial Literacy, Income Security - Welfare and Employment - Social Assistance, Employment - Employment Supports and Services
Population: People with Disabilities - Social Assistance Recipients